Georgia's National Parks

The state of Georgia is filled with wonderful historic sites. Visitors to the state are sure to find many destination of interest. Many wonderful sites are preserved in national parks. Here are some of the amazing national parks visitors will find in Georgia.

Andersonville National Historic Site

Andersonville National Historic Site is preserved as a memorial to American prisoners of war throughout the history of the country. Visitors to this site will learn that during the Civil Wary it was a Confederate military prison, where 45,000 Union soldiers were held as prisoners of war. This National Historic Site includes the National Prisoner of War Museum, the site of the historic prison as well as the Andersonville National Cemetery. Visitors to Andersonville National Historic Site can enjoy tours of the grounds and see the exhibits and more at the Museum.

Augusta Canal National Heritage Area

Visitors to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area preserves one of the last intact functioning industrial power canal systems from the 19th century. In addition to learning about this important piece of history of the Industrial Revolution in America, visitors can also enjoy the access to the nature of this region of Georgia. During this visit travelers can enjoy a boat tour of a part of the canal, as well as learning about the canal at the Canal Interpretive Center.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a wonderful destination in Georgia for outdoor recreation. This National Recreation Area protects 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River as it travels through northern Atlanta. Visitors to this National Recreation Area is a great spot to enjoy some kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding and much more.

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

This park was dedicated in 1895, and it has over 1,400 markers and monuments. Cickamauga and Chattanooga was created to preserve the cultural, historical and natural features of this important battlefield site. The Chickamauga Battlefield was the site of the last major Confederate victory during the Civil War. Later the Union achieved victory in the renewed fighting in Chattanooga. Visitors to the park can visit the Visitor Centers, enjoy the hiking trails, take the self-guided auto tour and much more.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island is the southernmost and the largest barrier island in Georgia. Visitors can see the maritime forests, beaches, marshes and more located in the designated wilderness areas. The island also has historic sites, ruins and much more. Cumberland Island has the Dungeness ruins, which was originally built by General Nathanial Greene, and later built again by Thomas Carnegie. Plum Orchard Mansion is another place to visit on Cumberland Island. Plum Orchard Mansion was built by Lucy Carnegie for her son. In addition, visitors will the the First African Baptist Church in the Settlement and a Museum. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including, hiking ,camping, wildlife viewing and bicycling to name only a few.

Fort Frederica National Monument

Fort Frederica National Monument, on St. Simons Island, preserves the remnants of Fort Frederica. This Fort played an important role of the history Georgia. In 1742 the Fort was the scene of a battle between the British and the Spanish, which the British won. This battle decided the fate of Georgia as a British Colony. Visitors to this park can learn about the history of the park, as well as explore the archeological site, as well as wonderful museum exhibits. In addition visitors can also enjoy tours, as well as programmed events throughout the year.

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Visitors to Fort Pulaski will learn about the technological advances used at this Fort during the Civil War. During the battle at Fort Pulaski the Union Army used technological advances in cannon, which defeated the traditional fortifications of the park. Visitors can tour the park to see the architecture of this fort, including drawbridges and more. In addition visitors can also explore inside the park to learn about the construction of the park as well as it's defeat at the exhibits.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves the remnants of one of the most important battles of the Atlanta Campaign during the Civil War. Visitors to this park will learn that this battle saw some of the heaviest fighting during the campaign. While visiting this park travelers can enjoy plenty of activities. There are plenty of trails that are great for hiking, as well as bird watching. Visitors can also drive or take a shuttle bus to the top of the mountain, as well as Cheatham Hill and Kolb Farm, which provide good opportunities to learn more about the region. Another wonderful activity visitors can enjoy at this park are the reenactments that take place at times throughout the year.

Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site

Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site tells visitors the story of life of this important figure in American history. This National Park gives visitors the chance to learn about how Marin Luther King Jr grew up, it preserves the home where he was born, and more. Visitors also have the chance to learn about his role as a leader in the civil rights movement. the National Historic Site includes many sites, including the Ebenezer Baptist Church, the King Center, the Peace Plaza and the Visitor Center.

Ocmulgee National Monument

Visitors to the Ocmulgee National Monument will learn about the many cultures that lived on this land over time. One of the amazing features of this park are the mounds that were built by the Mississippian culture. While visiting this park travelers will find plenty of destinations to enjoy. There is a boardwalk that takes visitors through the wetlands of the region. Visitors can also enjoy the River Trail, which goes by the Ocmulgee River floodplain, as well as the Lantern Light Tours after dark.